ANASAZI accepts adolescents 12-17 years of age who are physically and emotionally able to handle the rigors of the trail and whose parents are willing to participate in their child’s walking. Willing young adults 18+ years of age who commit to completing the walking will also be considered for admission.

The ANASAZI Foundation outdoor behavioral healthcare program is most effective with adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate mood disorders, behavioral problems, attachment disorders and/or adjustment difficulties. These would include:

depression

anxiety

bipolar disorder

oppositional behaviors

substance abuse

learning difficulties/school struggles

relational problems with family

victims of trauma/abuse

poor self image/low self-esteem

law enforcement and/or peer conflict

self-harming behaviors (eating problems, cutting, etc.)

poor social skills

immaturity

lack of motivation/direction in life

internet addiction

entitlement orientations

other similar problems related to a lack of self-regulation and moral identity

Adolescents and young adults with more severe problems in the areas listed above can also benefit from the ANASAZI program as an integral part of a more long-term, comprehensive treatment plan that may include subsequent intensive outpatient or residential treatment in addition to an outdoor therapeutic experience. The “trail” experience often serves as a great initial phase of treatment for youth who may come from more troubled backgrounds/environments or with more intense/longer-lasting problems.

ANASAZI is not designed to address more serious psychological problems such as psychotic disorders, conduct disorders where violence and serious criminal/gang involvement are major concerns, severe personality disorders, severe posttraumatic stress, severe substance addiction/dependence, and other physical or psychological disorders that would make it impossible to fully participate in an outdoor-based program that can be physically and emotionally challenging.

Family Involvement

Youth whose families are willing to play an active role in treatment and who acknowledge the need for developing new and more productive ways of interacting and dealing with conflict are much more likely to achieve the desired treatment outcomes.

Spiritual Insight

Youth and families who have a core moral/spiritual belief system often find that the ANASAZI program resonates with philosophical beliefs. The ANASAZI program is unique in that it encourages the consideration and exploration of the spiritual component of one’s life as part of treatment. However, this is purely voluntary on the part of participants and ANASAZI Foundation does not endorse nor favor any particular denomination or belief system.